May 2016


If it’s Monday, must be Welk market time

It happens every Monday. Vendors and shoppers meet and fete at Welk Village for the weekly Welk Certified Farmers’ Market from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s the only one of over 50 San Diego County farmers markets open Monday, so has the pick of the litter when it comes to fruits, vegetables, food and vendors. It’s also one of only 11 county certified farmers…


Welcome to the monkey house: June 7 California Primary edition

Beginning with baboons, researchers have studied these great apes because they have more than just DNA in common with humans. They are masters of social interactions living and loving, working and warring in tightly knit clans. Princeton University researchers have found is that the biggest problem for baboons are other baboons. Which brings us to the 50th Congressional District and District 3 County Supervisor contests….


Say G’Day to our May print issue

So, here it is our next issue, hitting the streets of Escondido, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista. Online, aside from the non-local, San Diego Union Tribune, The Grapevine has more daily page views than any North County media source. In fact, it has 15 to 20 times more daily page views than the nearest competitor(s). As has been found to be the best community news…


Vending industry leader lobbies Sacramento

The people who provide vending machine treats — micro-markets in trade parlance — and coffee around California break rooms descended on Sacramento for some good old-fashioned marketing two weeks ago. One of their leaders was Jeff Leider, president of San Marcos-based Tri-R Coffee & Vending and first time legislative day participant. His dad, Norm Leider, founded the company in 1984, and created the intriguing Tri-R…


Days of beer and sake and other shorts

Hollandia Dairy sponsors all-new county fair exhibit Hollandia Dairy of San Marcos has unveiled a brand new partnership with The San Diego County Fair to be the presenting sponsor of the all-new agriculture education exhibit – California Grown. This attraction, new for 2016, is all about agriculture, one of California’s most important industries and the historical basis of county fairs. The key focus of the…


Art in ‘Wonderland’

A dual exhibition preview party May 20 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido — officially titled, “My Hero & Unlocking Wonderland Preview Party Fundraiser,” was a sensational, unique and magical night of art and artists. It was a tremendous party with a huge turnout. Gallery shows making their debut that evening included: “My Hero: Contemporary Art & Superhero Action” (art celebrating superheroes) and…


Escondido names new fire chief

Escondido Fire Department changes its guard in two weeks as Deputy Fire Chief Russell “Russ” Knowles replaces Chief Mike Lowry who retires after nearly 34 years with Escondido Fire. Lowry departs on June 3. Knowles takes command on June 5. As for Saturday, June 4? Don’t cry for Escondido, it’ll be fine, officials say. Knowles’ salary will be $183,214 annually. He’s no piker either, having…


Luann in house for CSUSM commencement

As befitting a school on the rise, Cal State University San Marcos (CSUSM) graduated its largest class ever over the weekend. Five separate ceremonies bestowed degrees to over 3,160 students — 3,012 undergraduates and 588 teacher credential candidates. It was the school’s 25th commencement. “Notably, 55 percent of the graduating students are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree and 35 percent…


Free MusicFest set for Valley Center’s Maxine Theater

The Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters (VCPMB) 2016 MusicFest will be held Thursday, June 2 at the Maxine Theater. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and drumlines and leading into the concert time of 6:30 p.m. The concert event is free for the community and will feature BBQ dinner and raffle item tickets for sale as part of the Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters…